Diverse effects of sphingosine on calcium mobilization and influx in differentiated HL-60 cells

DMS triggers apoptosis associated with the inhibition of SPHK1/NF-κB activation and increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in human cancer cells

N,N-Dimethyl-D-erythro-sphingosine (DMS) is known to induce cell apoptosis by specifically inhibiting sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) and modulating the activity of cellular ceramide levels. The present study investigated the effects and the mechanism(s) of action of DMS in human lung cancer cells. We found that DMS dose-dependently suppressed cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in the human lung cancer cell line, A549. Mechanistically, treatment with DMS suppressed the activation of SPHK1 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, but increased intracellular [Ca²⁺]i in A549 cells. This study demonstrates that DMS triggers the apoptosis of human lung cancer cells through the modulation of SPHK1, NF-κB and calcium signaling. These molecules may represent targets for anticancer drug design.

N,N-Dimethyl-D-erythro-sphingosine inhibits store-operated Ca2+ entry in U937 monocytes

Calcium is a ubiquitous second messenger that controls a broad range of cellular functions, and store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is the primary mechanism of regulated Ca(2+) entry in non-excitable immunocytes. In this study, we found that N,N-dimethyl-D-erythro-sphingosine (DMS) inhibited SOCE. In U937 cells, treatment with DMS for 2 h inhibited thapsigargin-induced SOCE by about 70%. DMS inhibited SOCE in a concentration-dependent manner when it was added to the cells after SOCE reached a plateau. DMS-induced SOCE inhibition was also confirmed by the Mn(2+)-quenching method, which monitors only Ca(2+) influx. Because sphingosine kinase inhibitors or protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors could not mimic the SOCE inhibition, sphingosine kinase and PKC could be excluded as targets of DMS-induced inhibition of SOCE. Furthermore, disruption of lipid rafts with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and bacterial sphingomyelinase did not influence DMS-induced inhibition of SOCE. DMS-induced inhibition of SOCE in U937 human monocytes is a unique observation and could serve as a basis to study modulation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration by sphingolipids, although the precise mechanism should be elucidated in the future.

N, N-dimethyl-D-erythro-sphingosine increases intracellular Ca2+ concentration via Na+-Ca2+-exchanger in HCT116 human colon cancer cells

N,N-dimethyl-D-erythro-sphingosine (DMS), an N-methyl derivative of sphingosine, is an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC) and sphingosine kinase (SK). In previous reports, DMS-induced intracellular Ca2+ increase concentration ([Ca2+]i) was studied in T lymphocytes, monocytes, astrocytes and neuronal cells. In the present study, we studied DMS-induced increase of [Ca2+]i in HCT116 human colon cancer cells. We found that the DMS-induced increase of [Ca2+]i in colon cancer cells is composed of Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores and subsequent Ca2+ influx. The Ca2+ release is not related to modulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor or ryanodine receptor. On the other hand, the Ca2+ influx is mediated largely through Ca2+ channels sensitive to verapamil, nifedipine, Ga3+, and La3+. Furthermore, we found that the response is inhibited by bepridil and Ni2+, specific inhibitors of Na+-Ca2+-exchanger, suggesting involvement of Na+-Ca2+ exchanger in the DMS-induced [Ca2+]i increase in colon cancer cells. This inhibition was also observed in U937 monocytes, but not in 1321N1 astrocytes.

Characterization of Ca2+ influx induced by dimethylphytosphingosine and lysophosphatidylcholine in U937 monocytes

Calcium is a ubiquitous second messenger controlling a broad range of cellular functions. We previously observed that N,N-dimethyl-D-ribo-phytosphingosine (DMPH) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) induced Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane in U937 monocytes. In this study, we characterized the Ca2+ influx induced by DMPH and LPC. L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockers, verapamil and nifedipine, significantly reduced LPC-induced Ca2+ influx, but not DMPH-induced one. On the other hand, non-specific Ca2+ channel blockers, Ga3+ and La3+, considerably reduced DMPH- and LPC-induced Ca2+ influx. Preincubation of the cells with forskolin enhanced DMPH-induced Ca2+ influx, however, LPC-induced Ca2+ influx was not affected by the treatment. The enhancement by forskolin was blocked by KT5720, a PKA inhibitor. We also confirmed the presence of TRPM7 and absence of TRPM3 in U937 cells. Therefore, our characterization of Ca2+ influx in U937 human monocytes shows the presence of two different types of Ca2+ channels modulated by lysolipid molecules, DMPH and LPC. LPC may induce Ca2+ influx via L-type Ca2+ channels and DMPH seems to induce Ca2+ influx through TRPM7 in U937 human monocytes.

Antigen-induced Ca2+ mobilization in RBL-2H3 cells: Role of I(1,4,5)P3 and S1P and necessity of I(1,4,5)P3 production

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) has long been recognized as a second messenger for intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Recently, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to be involved in Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we investigated the role of S1P and IP3 in antigen (Ag)-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in RBL-2H3 mast cells. Antigen-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization was only partially inhibited by the sphingosine kinase inhibitor dl-threo-dihydrosphingosine (DHS) or the IP3 receptor inhibitor 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), whereas preincubation with both inhibitors led to complete inhibition. In contrast, stimulation of A3 adenosine receptors with N5-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) caused intracellular Ca2+ mobilization that was completely abolished by 2-APB but not by DHS, suggesting that NECA required only the IP3 pathway, while antigen used both the IP3 and S1P pathways. Interestingly, however, inhibition of IP3 production with the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 completely abolished Ca2+ release from the ER induced by either stimulant. This suggested that S1P alone, without concomitant production of IP3, would not cause intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. This was further demonstrated in some clones of RBL-2H3 cells excessively overexpressing a beta isoform of Class II phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3KC2beta). In such clones including clone 5A4C, PI3KC2beta was overexpressed throughout the cell, although endogenous PI3KC2beta was normally expressed only in the ER. Overexpression of PI3KC2beta in the cytosol and the PM led to depletion of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), resulting in a marked reduction in IP3 production. This could explain the abolishment of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in clone 5A4C. Supporting this hypothesis, the Ca2+ mobilization was reconstituted by the addition of exogenous PI(4,5)P2 in these cells. Our results suggest that both IP3 and S1P contribute to FcvarepsilonRI-induced Ca2+ release from the ER and production of IP3 is necessary for S1P to cause Ca2+ mobilization from the ER.

The blockade of cyclopiazonic acid-induced store-operated Ca2+ entry pathway by YC-1 in neutrophils

In the presence of external Ca2+, pretreatment of neutrophils with 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1) inhibited the cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)-induced [Ca2+](i) elevation in a concentration- but not a time-dependent manner, while YC-1 had no effect on the Ca2+ signals in a Ca2+-free medium. YC-1 failed to inhibit ATP- and interleukin-8 (IL-8)-induced [Ca2+](i) changes. Addition of YC-1 after cell activation strongly inhibited the CPA-induced [Ca2+](i) changes. In a classical Ca2+ readdition protocol, a similar extent inhibition of Ca2+ spike by YC-1 introduced either prior to or after CPA stimulation was obtained. In rat neutrophils, mRNA for endothelial differentiation gene (edg)1, edg5, edg6 and edg8, the putative targets for sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), could be detected. However, S1P was found to have little effect on Ca(2+) signals. YC-1 did not inhibit but enhanced the sphingosine-induced [Ca2+](i) changes. Inhibition by YC-1 of CPA-induced [Ca2+](i) changes was not prevented by 7-nitroindazole and N-(3-aminomethyl)benzylacetamidine (1400W), two nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, by aristolochic acid, a phospholipase A(2) inhibitor, or by suspension in a Na(+)-deprived medium. YC-1 did not affect the mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, YC-1 did not alter [Ca2+](i) changes in response to ionomycin after CPA and formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) stimulation in a Ca2+-free medium. YC-1 had no effect on the basal [Ca2+](i) level, the pharmacologically isolated plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity, and Ba2+ entry into CPA-activated cells. YC-1 alone resulted in the accumulation of actin filaments in neutrophils, while significantly reduced the intensity of actin filament staining in the subsequent activation with CPA. These results indicate that YC-1 inhibited CPA-activated store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) probably through the direct blockade of channel activation and/or the disruption of the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton necessary for supporting Ca2+ entry pathway in neutrophils.

Stimulation of cellular free Ca2+ elevation and inhibition of store-operated Ca2+ entry by kazinol B in neutrophils

Kazinol B, a natural isoprenylated flavan, stimulated the [Ca(2+)](i) elevation in the presence or absence of Ca(2+) in the medium. Treatment with chymotrypsin or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate to shedding of L: -selectin had no effect on subsequent kazinol B-induced Ca(2+) response. Upon initial cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) treatment in the absence of external Ca(2+), the subsequent [Ca(2+)](i) rise followed by challenge with kazinol B was greatly diminished. The ryanodine receptor blockers, 8-bromo-cyclic ADP-ribose and ruthenium red did not affect kazinol B-evoked Ca(2+) release from internal stores. However, the inhibitors of sphingosine kinase, dimethylsphingosine, but not dihydrosphingosine, inhibited kazinol B-induced Ca(2+) release. Kazinol B-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rise was not affected by two nitric oxidase inhibitors, N-(3-aminomethyl)benzylacetamidine (1400W) and 7-nitroindazole, cytochalasin B and Na(+)-deprivation. This response was slightly attenuated by 2-aminoethyldiphenyl borate (2-APB), a D: -myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptor blocker, and by genistein, a general tyrosine kinase inhibitor. However, the Ca(2+) response was greatly diminished by two actin filament reorganizers, calyculin A and jasplakinolide, 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (LY 294002), an inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, N-(3-aminomethyl)benzylacetamidine (SB 203580), the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, 1-[6-[17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U-73122), the inhibitor of phospholipase C-coupled processes, and by 0.3 mM La(3+) or Ni(2+). Kazinol B did not evoke any appreciable Ba(2+) and Sr(2+) entry into cells. The Ca(2+) entry blockers, 1-[beta-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl]-1H-imidazole (SKF-96365), but not cis-N-(2-phenylcyclopentyl)azacyclotridec-1-en-2-amine (MDL-12,330A), inhibited a kazinol B-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rise. Kazinol B had no effect on the pharmacologically isolated plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. In a Ca(2+)-free medium, kazinol B inhibited the subsequent Ca(2+) addition, resulting in robust entry in CPA- and formyl peptide-activated cells. Kazinol B produced a concentration-dependent reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential. These results indicate that kazinol B stimulates Ca(2+) release from internal Ca(2+) store, probably through the sphingosine 1-phosphate and IP(3) signaling, and activates external Ca(2+) influx mainly through a non-store-operated Ca(2+) entry (non-SOCE) pathway. Inhibition of SOCE by kazinol B is probably attributable to a break in the Ca(2+) driven force of mitochondria.

2-Benzyloxybenzaldehyde inhibits formyl peptide-stimulated increase in intracellular Ca2+ in neutrophils mainly by blocking Ca2+ entry

2-Benzyloxybenzaldehyde (CCY1a) inhibited the formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)-induced elevation of cytosolic [Ca(2+)]() ([Ca(2+)](i)) in rat neutrophils. The late plateau phase, but not the initial Ca(2+) spike, of the fMLP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) change was inhibited by CCY1a. In the absence of external Ca(2+), CCY1a had no appreciable effect on either the fMLP- or cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) elevation. CCY1a failed to inhibit [Ca(2+)](i) changes induced by N-ethylmaleimide, GEA3162, ionomycin or sphingosine, but slightly inhibited the Ca(2+) signals elicited by ATP or interleukin-8 (IL-8). In a classical Ca(2+) readdition protocol, addition of CCY1a after cell activation strongly inhibited the [Ca(2+)](i) response to fMLP, whilst that to CPA was only slightly reduced. CCY1a nearly abrogated the fMLP-stimulated Mn(2+) influx but was less effective on the CPA-induced response. CCY1a attenuated the levels of tyrosine-phosphorylated bands in the 70-85 kDa molecular mass range. CCY1a had no effect on the basal [Ca(2+)](i) level, the pharmacologically isolated plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase activity or on the mitochondrial membrane potential. Thus, CCY1a blocks fMLP-induced Ca(2+) entry into neutrophils probably by blocking the relevant Ca(2+) channel directly or, alternatively, indirectly through the attenuation of tyrosine phosphorylation of some cellular proteins.

Dimethylsphingosine increases cytosolic calcium and intracellular pH in human T lymphocytes

N,N-Dimethyl-D-erythro-sphingosine (DMS) is the N-methyl derivative of sphingosine; both are activators of sphingosine-dependent protein kinases. The aim of this work was to study the effect of DMS on cytosolic calcium and intracellular pH (pHi) in human T lymphocytes. The variations of calcium and pH were determined by fluorescence digital imaging using Fura-2-AM and BCECF-AM, respectively. DMS increased both pHi and Ca(2+)-cytoslic in human T lymphocytes. These effects were dose-dependent. This drug induced a fast increase in pHi and a release of calcium from different intracellular calcium pools than thapsigargin. DMS also induced a Ca(2+)-influx different from the store-operated calcium channels, since drug effect was not modified by 30 microM SKF 96365. The influx of calcium induced by DMS was completely blocked by preincubation in the presence of nickel, or lanthanum, while the increase in pHi was no affected. However, the presence of cadmium reduced but does not block Ca(2+)-influx. The inhibition of G-protein by 100 ng/mL pertussis toxin, and the inhibition of tyrosine kinases by genistein significantly reduced the cytosolic calcium increase induced by DMS by an inhibition of both, release of calcium from intracellular pools and influx from extracellular medium. The inhibition of pools emptiness by these drugs was related with the inhibition that they induce in the DMS cytosolic alcalinization. In summary, DMS increases pHi and as consequence releases calcium from intracellular pools, and it increases calcium-influx through a channel different from store-operated channel (SOC). Both cytosolic calcium and pHi increase are modulated by G-proteins and tyrosine kinases.

Effective cytotoxicity against human leukemias and chemotherapy-resistant leukemia cell lines by N-N-dimethylsphingosine

We evaluated the cytotoxicity of dimethylsphingosine (DMS) against four human leukemia cell lines: two acute (HL60 and a multi-drug resistance MDR-positive derivative HL60-dox) and two blast crisis chronic myelogenous leukemias (JFP1, from a treatment refractory patient and K562), and against blasts isolated from 11 leukemia patients. Cell line viability decreased proportionally to DMS concentration and treatment time (P<0.001). HL60-dox and JFP1 were the most sensitive, indicating DMS efficacy against human leukemia MDR. Importantly, leukemia samples showed a similar sensitivity to DMS as that of the cell lines, firstly demonstrating PKC-independent sphingolipid activity against fresh human tumor specimens. DMS-based chemotherapy may improve leukemia treatment.